A framework for the design of the future energy-efficient, cost-effective, reliable, resilient, and sustainable full-scale wastewater treatment plants

Abstract

Generally, the compliance with the effluent quality standards, the related harm prevention on the surrounding environment and human health, costs reduction, possible water reuse, energy and resource recovery, and environmental impact issues have been the driving forces and/or important criteria in the design and simulation of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). To date, not much research has been conducted to study the reliability and resilience of WWTPs. This study seeks to provide a comprehensive procedure framework to design the future energy-efficient, cost-effective, reliable, resilient, and sustainable full-scale WWTPs for both normal and natural hazard conditions. It is a key and emerging research area. In this study, the process flow diagram of a typical municipal WWTP, modeling of WWTPs, computer programs for WWTP design, and the previous studies on the simulation of the full-scale WWTPs were briefly and critically reviewed. Then, the procedure framework was presented. Finally, future perspectives and conclusions were discussed.